Afenifere National Youth President Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Insecurity in Southwest Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria | March 16, 2025

The Afenifere National Youth President, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, has raised concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings in Southwest Nigeria, urging the government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to curb the menace.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Prince Ojajuni recounted his recent experience with criminal elements along the Akunu Akoko highway in Ondo State. He highlighted the increasing activities of armed groups who have established well-organized camps across the region.

Security Concerns and Call for Government Intervention

Prince Ojajuni revealed that intelligence gathered from affected communities shows that these criminals operate with sophisticated weapons and technology, strategically positioning themselves across states for their illicit activities.

He urged Southwest governors to convene a regional security summit with youth representatives, proposing the establishment of a Southwest Youth Security Network in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Forest Guards Team.

This initiative, he said, would:

• Strengthen intelligence gathering
• Enhance community surveillance
• Ensure swift reporting and response to security threats

Additionally, he commended the efforts of security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Forest Team, for their ongoing interventions but emphasized the need for more proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks.

Call for Enhanced Security Measures

Prince Ojajuni recommended the following steps to address the security crisis:

1. Deploying additional security personnel to identified high-risk areas.
2. Increasing security checkpoints along major highways and forest borders.
3. Enhancing intelligence gathering and surveillance across affected states.
4. Cracking down on collaborators aiding these criminal groups.
5. Conducting extensive security operations across forests in Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ibilo, and Lagos.

A Wake-Up Call for Southwest Leaders

He warned that if urgent steps are not taken, more communities and travelers will remain vulnerable. He also stressed the need for regional leaders to take proactive security measures to prevent further escalations.

"The time for action is now. We must work together to secure our communities and ensure the safety of our people," he stated.

Prince Ojajuni reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies with any intelligence that can help restore peace and stability to the region.